Bursaries for level 3 early years qualifications

In the early years and childcare workforce review, providers told us they have staff they would like to upskill with a level 3 early years qualification.

We have created a bursary scheme to help fund staff or volunteers level 3 diploma for working in early years. The course is at Chichester College. The scheme is for staff or volunteers in West Sussex who meet the eligibility criteria.

The learner will need to:

• be over the age of 16
• have a suitable level 2 English qualification
• work in your setting in West Sussex for a minimum of 20 hours a week
• commit to an 18-month programme
• commit to attending 10 mandatory taught workshops (twilight delivery at Chichester College)

Suitable English qualifications are defined in the Early years qualification requirements standards 1 January 2026 as:

• functional skills qualification in English at level 2
• GCSE or international GCSE qualification in English language and/or literature to at least grade 4 (or grade C)
• key skills qualification in communication at level 2
• A Level or AS Level qualification in English language and/or English literature to at least grade E
• Level qualification in English to at least grade C
• CSE grade 1 English (language)
• basic skills certificate L2 - certificate in adult literacy
• British Sign Language (BSL) for people who use BSL as their primary language

It will be helpful, but not essential, to have completed a level 2 Diploma for the early years practitioner or another full and relevant level 2 qualification.